Softop Repair for NA- ACT/QBN

[PL55]

Hi All,

I've just got an NA6 with the original soft top. The top is in good condition, but the plastic back window is cloudy. Can anyone recommended a repairer in ACT/QBN for this job. I've heard price range is approx 100.00 but so far I've got quote from 380 onward. Please help. Many thanks in advance.

[Benny]

Sorry I don't know anyone in the ACT, but if all you want is a dodgy job, then you can probably get it done for around $100, but if you want the plastic window replaced properly, it means taking off the hood, pull out all the stitching around the window, then remove it and relplace with a new screen, then glue and stitch it all up again, under a heavy duty sewing machine.

I seriously doubt you could get a good job done for less than a few hundred dollars, unless you were prepared to remove and replace the hood yourself.

For $100, you could someone to cut out the old screen and just glue in a new one, but it would only be glued in and have messy looking edges, as you can't get a sewing machine onto the hood unless you remove it from the car.

[93_Clubman]

The Little Trimmer (145 Newcastle St Fyshwick 02 6280 5302) did some work which I was happy with on my old NA6, but I'm not sure if he's still at this address. Worth keeping in mind that cheap basic quality soft tops can be purchased for $320, plus $28 postage.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-MAZDA-MX5-MX ... 3caa7734f9

[PL55]

Thanks for the info. I've did considered this: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mazda-MX-5-MX5-E ... 1c107fee90 from Uk - did anyone have any experience with this item. Also is it easy to fit if I decided to try it myself or how much for someone fit the thing? . Cheers

[Mr Morlock]

There are heaps of soft top cars around with plastic windows and it makes no sense at all to ditch a soft top for the sake of a clear piece of plastic. Trimmers can do it and you should be able to get a reasonable price. It would make sense to remove the top yourself and refit. If you pay someone to do that for you the rate can be anything from $60 per hr upwards- that is what labour cost in this country. I have no idea of the quality of the "cheapy" on the link but a recent forumite was talking of about $800 landed for a known brand. The top should well outlast the window.

[93_Clubman]

Thanks for the info. I've did considered this: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mazda-MX-5-MX5-E ... 1c107fee90 from Uk - did anyone have any experience with this item. Also is it easy to fit if I decided to try it myself or how much for someone fit the thing? . Cheers

Yeah, I bought one when they first started selling them on ebay & it's a good soft-top. A number of others on the forum have also bought them & they've been fine. However, Wun911 bought one of their more expensive tops recently & was not happy with quality or service.

Soft-top removal & replacement is a time consuming job for which I was quoted about six hours.

A possibility with getting your current soft-top window replaced might be to remove the soft-top & frame in one piece. This would be quicker & might allow the access Benny notes is required to replace the window using a heavy duty sewing machine.

Then again, if you're happy with just a new glued in back window, which admittedly will be less neat, there's a large price differential to getting a new soft-top fitted.

[hks_kansei]

Before spending money on a new window give it a go over with a product called Vuplex.

basically, it's a plastic cleaner/polish.

Pam gave her yellowed window a go over and it made it a heap better (hers was still too far gone though)


it's only $12 a can from memory, so if the cloudyness isn't that bad it might clear it up. If not, you've only lost $12, but it's useful on other things around the house/car too.

[93_Clubman]

Tks Hks - had heard of Meguiar's Plastx, but hadn't heard of Vuplex!

[Mr Morlock]

when the UV starts to break down the chemistry of the material it is pretty much terminal - cloudy and then brittle.

[trader]

I had the same problem and waited for a later model soft top to come up with a glass window. Bought it with the frame which made an easy install and sold the old one. Definitely happy with the result as it is far easier to flip up and down, quieter than the NA version and has a better lining. Strong enoughto drive it with the window down and not blow it off the hoops. Before you go to the trouble of replacing the window check for pinch wear as it probably has it if its original.

[hks_kansei]

Tks Hks - had heard of Meguiar's Plastx, but hadn't heard of Vuplex!

yep, it's not a Megs product, it's some other Aussie company.

Bright blue can with orange cap and writing on the side.

[PL55]

Thanks All, I've purchased a similar item to Vuplex- and tried it yesterday- and the result is Amazing- the rear window is 100% improvement- no need to buy a new replacement window now. Highly recommended as the first option0 it cost me approx $20.00 incl freight from UK for 100ml. Now what can I do to improve power 120 Hp without Turbo/Supercharge and cheap - ECU ???

[93_Clubman]

Thanks All, I've purchased a similar item to Vuplex- and tried it yesterday- and the result is Amazing- the rear window is 100% improvement- no need to buy a new replacement window now. Highly recommended as the first option0 it cost me approx $20.00 incl freight from UK for 100ml. Now what can I do to improve power 120 Hp without Turbo/Supercharge and cheap - ECU ???

Good result - cold air intake, high flow cat & catback exhaust system. Then headers &/ or ECU depending on what outcome you want. The list goes on. If you haven't already, go see RussellB at Carco in Belconnen.